5 Tips To Make Going Into High School A Breeze
January 7, 2020
Make the transition into High School easier!
If your child is going into high school, it can prove to be an exciting yet anxious time. When it comes to a formula for success, every child will need something a little different. As a non-traditional and unconventional school, we respect every learner’s unique mindset. It’s why we’ve put together a few tips to help them navigate the next phase of their life.
Where high school preparation is concerned, we’re focused on what happens the day you enter the classroom. From this day forward, each child needs to be alert, focussed and willing to work hard. Whilst your child might not know what to expect in high school, here is how they can make these some of the best years of their lives.
1. Be engaged from the start
Listening and taking notes is the first step to success in high school. By being present, your child is more likely to take in what is being taught. They’ll also be able to flag anything they don’t understand and ask questions when the opportunity arises. Learners at this level should be participating and collaborating with their classmates in order to gain maximum knowledge. This will also help form bonds with them.
2. Don’t fall behind
Going into high school, your child should know that homework forms a big part of revision and practising of skills and information taught. Staying up to date with tasks, projects and homework will help them excel in high school. It also teaches them to be organised and responsible for themselves and their education. At Abbotts College, our supervised homework schedules
allow your child to complete as much of their tasks as possible at school. That way, they can ask any questions they might have and enjoy their downtime once they get home.
3. Make routine their best friend
A healthy, regular routine will help every high school learner give their best. It’s also predictable, making it easy for your child to follow. This will limit anxiety as well because your child knows what to expect and won’t be overwhelmed each day. Start with a good wake up time in the morning and a set time to leave for school. This will teach your child to maximise their time as well, something important for later life regardless of their career choice. Your child will also become more aware of things they do that waste time.
4. Put an end to procrastination
Most of us like to procrastinate more often than we care to admit. This can only hold us back, especially when we’re striving for certain goals. Encourage your child to do what needs to be done sooner rather than later. Whether it’s cleaning out their school bag or finishing a project, procrastination will never help them in the long run. It’s an unhealthy habit that can actually hinder them.
Read about how to avoid procrastination.
5.Give them a high school experience to remember
At Abbotts College, a non-traditional approach
gives every learner an opportunity to express themselves and follow their passions. For more on how you can apply for your child to join us, please click here.
To read more on our schools, please do so via this link.
For general enquiries, please click here.
ADvTECH SCHOOLS CLAIM TOP HONOURS IN WESSA CENTENARY AWARDS
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As the preliminary and final examinations approach, both students and parents or guardians often experience heightened anxiety and stress. This guide provides practical strategies to help parents and guardians support their children through this critical phase of their academic journey. 1. Foster Effective Organization Create an environment conducive to studying by providing a quiet, well-lit study space equipped with essential stationery. Collaborate with your child to develop a structured study timetable to set clear expectations and promote disciplined preparation. Encourage the use of resources such as past question papers, which serve as valuable tools for revision and practice. 2. Maintain Daily Check-Ins Schedule regular, intentional conversations, such as during dinner, to discuss your child’s progress. Inquire about their experience with the day’s examination paper, adherence to their study schedule, and their feelings about upcoming tests. These check-ins foster open communication and allow you to gauge their emotional and academic state. 3. Minimize Distractions Help your child stay focused by keeping electronic devices like phones, tablets, and gaming consoles out of reach during study sessions. Set boundaries on screen time and social media access to prevent procrastination. While challenging, limiting Wi-Fi access during study hours can significantly enhance productivity. 4. Support Emotional Awareness Encourage your child to identify and articulate their emotions, such as anxiety, stress, or fatigue . Recognizing these feelings is the first step toward addressing them effectively. Discuss coping strategies to help them navigate emotional challenges during this period. 5. Teach Self-Regulation Techniques Guide your child in practicing self-regulation to manage stress. Techniques include: Breathing Exercises : Inhale deeply for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, and repeat. Sensory Focus : Identify five things they can see or hear to ground themselves in the moment. Tactile Stimulation : Hold a cold object to shift focus and reduce anxiety. These methods can help your child regain calm and focus during stressful moments. 6. Promote a Balanced Routine Prolonged study sessions late into the night can lead to burnout. Monitor your child’s study habits and encourage breaks to maintain balance. Plan activities such as outings with friends, a family meal, or short recreational periods with access to devices. Engaging in non-academic activities, like helping prepare dinner, can provide a refreshing change of focus. 7. Prioritize Self-Care Support your child’s well-being by ensuring they: Eat nutritious, regular meals. Get at least eight hours of sleep by limiting screen time before bed. Engage in physical activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, dancing, or gym workouts. These practices help alleviate stress and anxiety, which are common during examination periods. 8. Practice Empathy and Patience The examination period can be emotionally taxing for both students and parents. Approach your child with empathy, actively listening and offering guidance without criticism. This fosters a supportive environment, bolstering their mental health and sense of inclusion. By implementing these strategies, parents and guardians can play a pivotal role in helping their children navigate the challenges of examinations with confidence and resilience. Good luck to all the Grade 12 students with the upcoming examinations - you most certainly can do it!
